Community Action of South Mississippi·Pascagoula, Mississippi
The Floater primarily serves as a classroom substitute when regular staff is absent and assists in maintaining program ratios by serving in other assigned capacities. This role involves providing opportunities for children's physical and cognitive growth within a safe environment while assisting teachers in delivering quality classroom activities.
Description Position Overview The Floater serves as a classroom substitute when regular classroom staff is absent.
He/She serves in other capacities as assigned to ensure program ratios are maintained.
The Floater provides maximum opportunities for the physical and cognitive growth of each child in a safe, sanitary, inviting classroom environment.
He/She assists the teacher in providing quality classroom activities that meet or exceed Head Start Performance Standards.
The Floater supervises and enhances services provided to children.
He/She provides assistance that will increase students’ academic achievement, level of competence and social skills.
Physical Demands Work involves frequent movements in the classroom and the facility.
Work involves using repetitive motions of the wrists, hands and/or fingers while operating standard office equipment.
Must be able to perceive the nature of sound at normal speaking levels with or without correction.
Must be able to be active for extended periods of time without experiencing undue fatigue.
Must be able to lift children weighing 50 pounds or more as it may be required during emergencies or other circumstances.
Must be able to perform activities on the floor and outdoors with children, keeping pace with the energy level of the children.
Must recognize hazards and dangerous situations and take appropriate action.
Must be available to accompany children on field trips and assisting them on/off the bus and crossing the street.
Mental Demands Must demonstrate good communication and speaking skills to receive and give information in person and by telephone. Must demonstrate strong written and verbal communication skills. Must have the ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines. Must have the ability to apply Early Childhood Development knowledge and focus on infant/toddler theory in daily activities, and adapt to the individual needs of children.
Special Demands Must possess superior customer service skills. Must possess proficient knowledge and ability to use a computer (must be keyboard proficient) and other office technology (i.e. telephone, fax, etc.). Must have the ability to supervise and monitor children at all times to ensure a safe environment including the physical ability to monitor and move quickly in order to respond to children who are very active and may need removed or redirected in order to ensure their safety or the safety of others. Must have a valid drivers’ license and a satisfactory driving record.
Education High School Diploma or GED required.
License / Certification Must obtain Child Development Associate (CDA) within eighteen (18) months of start date.
Experience A minimum of six (6) months experience working with toddlers and pre-school age children preferred.
Market context
In Mississippi, Early Head Start floater roles are commonly needed to keep classrooms covered and routines consistent in early childhood programs. This role is competitive for candidates who already have toddler or preschool experience and can meet the CDA timeline; a high school diploma or GED is required, and the CDA must be earned within 18 months. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits here to save time, then confirm your experience with young children and be ready to discuss how you would support multiple classrooms.